21st Hussars sabretache wet weather cover, British (1862-'97)

Title	21st Hussars sabretache wet weather cover
Nationality	British
Period	1862-'97

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This was formed from the old East India Company's 3rd Bengal European Cavalry (formed 1858, disbanded 1862) in 1862. It then became the 21st Lancers in 1897 and finally the 21st (Empress of India's) Lancers in 1899. It served in India until 1873 and in England until 1887, when it embarked for Madras, proceeding to Egypt in 1897.

The 21st Lancers memorably won three Victoria Crosses for their famous charge at Omdurman in which Winston Churchill rode, wisely carrying his C96 Mauser pistol as his sword arm was out of order that day. It almost certainly saved his life!

This sabretache is probably the rarest of the mid/late 19th-century British cavalry examples. The leather face of the cover is in fine-grained French grey morocco leather with a maroon velvet lining. The condition is excellent with just a little fading and minor wear at the edges.

NB: If you hold the maroon interior against a mirror, you clearly see the 21H impressed into the velvet (from years of being stored with the sabretache in it). The French grey colour of the leather work confirms this attribution - it was the facing colour of the 21st Hussars.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.

[Militaria : Equipment : British : 19th Century]

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